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|| 20th May 2012
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|| LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/
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|| News of Lincolnshire Wildlife
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In this issue.....
1. Readers hints, tips and requests
2. Wildlife Highlights
3. Wildlife reports from around the county
4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast NNRs
5. News from Far Ings NNR
6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR
7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read!
8. Contact information
9. Notes about these wildlife reports
10. Bulletin publicity policy
11. Events Diary
12. ...and finally.....
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The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 1075
people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe.
LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on:
http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html
Note: Each address contains the relevant date.
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the
Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations.
Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail
wildlifenews@lnu.org, or contact the Editor to join up and contribute
articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net
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1. Readers hints, tips and requests
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** Editor Writes ***
"The Weather Outlook" seems to suggest changeable conditions
ahead with the prospect of prolonged periods of wet weather
in June. However they do also mention the possibility of a
'Spanish Plume', which is not a migratory moth but a weather
system pulling up hot conditions from Southern Europe and
North Africa. Hot conditions sounds good! Last time I recall
this happening it also pulled up a lot of Painted Lady butter-
flies. "Warm with Painted Ladies" sounds an attractive prospect.
Should we receive an influx of interesting migrant insects
please send in your reports. You may also like to send this
information to Butterfly Conservation via their website. See:
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings_home/1095/migrant_watch.html
Reminder
Bulletin readers are welcome at all LNU events. We would
like to involve everyone with a scientific interest in the
natural history of Lincolnshire to develop their skills in
identification and recording. Have a look at:
http://www.lnu.org/events.php
Roger
*** Next LNU Event- all welcome ***
For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php
See section 11 for full programme.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Oxgangs House Springs, Nettleton Top
(Courtesy of Rachel Gibbons)
South of Caistor 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south
from Nettleton Top (road from Nettleton to Claxby) take first
track on right side and park to side of track at first bend at
TF113 979.
NB. Steep slopes present so stout footwear recommended.
Habitats: Spring, marsh, pasture and possibly some arable
Leader: Richard Chadd 07990 564519
richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk
*** LWT Wildlife Workshops at Willow Tree Fen ***
Alan Phillips sent in the following:
An Introduction to Entomology - Monday 28 May, 10am - 4pm
Bird Survey Techniques Course - Wednesday 30 May from 10am - 4pm
Water vole and otter workshop - Friday 1 June, 10am – 4pm
Further details:
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/news/press-release.php?article=511
Editor adds: Do check out the website because you will need to
contact the Trust and book a place. The workshops are free!
*** Life on the Verge ***
Mark Schofield writes:
With days lengthening and flowers opening, the survey season is
now upon us! Most grassland wildflowers will be most easily
recognisable from the start of June until probably the end of
September. You can be a perfect novice at botany because a free
Wildflower ID Guide is available and you only need to look for
a shortlist of species.
Now's your chance to visit the Life on the Verge website at
www.lifeontheverge.org.uk
and search through the survey maps which show roads near you that
have yet to be explored. You can use the website to claim sections
of road to survey and you will be e-mailed maps and satellite photos
you can print out as well as survey forms. Results maps displaying
the wildflower discoveries of the previous 3 years will help you to
identify possible hotspots to aim for!
Top tip: Try using Google Maps Street View (drag and drop the little
yellow man on the Google Maps website) to check what roadsides look
like superficially before you claim them. If the verges look wider
than a metre and not just swamped in scrub or nettles, you may find
more flowers.
Surveys should take no longer than 1-2 hours and only a single visit
is necessary. If have been beaten to it by the lawn mower or plants
appear to be late flowering simply return a month later. From personal
experience, you can cover much more ground once you 'have your eye in'.
We are only 57% complete on the Limestone in North and South Kesteven
and 29% complete on the Chalk in the Wolds. There are still some gems
out there that really deserve to be discovered!
Contact: mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk
*** Bombus subterraneus reintroduction project ***
Alan Phillips writes:
http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/subt_project.html
Almost the target 100 queens were brought over from Sweden a
couple of days ago and are currently in quarantine.
There are in fact several historical records of this species
in Lincolnshire.
*** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT ***
Carolyn Lovely writes:
On Saturday 26th May 2012 you are invited to join us on a morning
bird walk lead by John Nelson.
Please meet in the carpark by the Yacht Club at end of Humberston
Fitties at 9am.
Please wear suitable clothing and foot wear.
This is a free event but donations will be collected towards the
Trust.
For further details please contact John Nelson 01472 235922.
*** Hedgehogs and other beasties ***
Eddie Smith comments:
I read with interest Mary and Phil's predator problems.
Predators, fur and feathered, concentrate their efforts near
food sources, so why feed our birds when its not necessary?
Winter feeding does help some of our birds through hard times
and a safe provision of clean water is a great help all year
round. Additional food during spring and summer, in my opinion
is not necessary. Birds generally do not breed unless there is
a food source for their young. Providing an all year excess
may encourage too-early breeding with dire results.
Young birds should be brought up on a natural healthy diet as
they were when I was a boy, we had more birds but no feeders.
A brief word on the Sparrow Hawk: a lady rang me last winter
saying she was loosing many birds at her feeders from Sparrow
Hawk attacks. My advice was put the feeders out of the Hawks
flight line, make it difficult for the predator to approach
at speed.
Another measure taken was to put up some garden netting in
strategic places. A little time spent finding the best spots
for the netting and feeders paid off. The hawk still came but
the birds had much more chance to escape. She was delighted.
Cats: we know that they are biggest killer of small birds and
mammals so what do we do to keep them out of our gardens? Has
anyone got a sensible answer? Would like to some suggestions.
Editor adds: our cat has taken to hiding in long grass close
to a mud puddle used by housemartins. Time to bell the cat?
*** Understanding zooarchaeology ***
The Sheffield Zooarchaeology Team writes:
Registration is now open for our short course:
*Understanding zooarchaeology: a short course for archaeology
and heritage professionals and enthusiasts*
University of Sheffield, 5th-7th September 2012
Over three days our team of zooarchaeologists will introduce
participants to the methods that can be used to gather infor-
mation from archaeological animal bones and the relevance of
these remains to wider archaeological study.
Zooarchaeology is the study of animal remains from archaeological
sites. Animal bones and teeth are among the most common remains
found on archaeological sites. This material can contribute valuable
information to our understanding of how people lived in the past.
Among other things animal bones can help to tell us about diet,
farming, cooking and eating, trade and industry, social status,
ethnicity, beliefs and environment in the past.
The course is designed for people with little or no previous exper-
ience in zooarchaeology, and is an ideal introduction to the field
for archaeologists, museum curators and other heritage professionals
who come across animal bones and/or zooarchaeological reports in
their professional capacity. Through short lectures, discussions and
hands on practical workshops, the course will give the participants
practical experience of zooarchaeological methods and will help you
to understand the archaeological potential and limitations of
zooarchaeology, enhancing your ability to critically interpret
archaeological animal bone data.
For students the short course will provide a firm basis for further
training and is a great opportunity to improve your employability
by broadening the types of archaeological evidence you have skills
in and experience using.
Zooarchaeologists at the early stages of their careers may also be
interested.
Tuition fees for the course are £165 waged, £110 unwaged/student/
retired.
For more information and to register, please visit our website:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/archaeology/research/zooarchaeology-lab/short-course
or e-mail us on: zooarch-shortcourse@sheffield.ac.uk
Editor adds: I might just go on this course as I will be retired
by then!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. Wildlife Highlights
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert ***
Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce
reports. A big thank you from us all.
Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website:
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/
Note: I am adapting my RBA pager information for the Bulletin
by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages.
When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights.
Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details.
12/5
9 Curlew Sandpipers, Black-necked Grebe, 5 Garganey,
6 Little Stints, Hen Harrier, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh
Osprey, Messingham Sand Quarry
Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore
13/5
Possible Montagu's Harrier, Frampton Marsh also
7 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, 3 drk Garganey.
Osprey, Messingham Sand Quarry
Montagu's Harrier, Theddlethorpe All Saints/Great Carlton
14/5
11 Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, 3 drk Garganey.
Frampton Marsh
Montagu's Harrier,
Osprey over Rimac
Golden Oriole, Gibraltar Point
15/5
Black-winged Stilt, Red-rumped Swallow, Frampton
Marsh plus
7 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints.
16/5
Honey Buzzard, Gibraltar Point
Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh plus
13 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints, 3 Ruff.
17/5
Black-winged Stilt, Black-necked Grebe, Curlew Sandpiper,
Little Gull, Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh
20 Crossbills, Gibraltar Point
Garganey drk, Fiskerton Fen
18/5
Black-winged Stilt, Black-winged Stilt, 2 Temminck's Stints,
25 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Black-
necked Grebe, 4 drk Garganey, 9 Little Gulls, Short-eared
owl, Frampton Marsh
Garganey drk, Fiskerton Fen
Red-rumped Swallow, Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore
Great northern Diver past Gibraltar Point
Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/
Here you can register free to use the site and get free
trials of their subscription services.
Strongly recommended.
[Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. Wildlife news from around the county
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** The Roger Goy Column ***
Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work.
BOURNE WOODS
TF076201
Vin Fleming
24th April 12
Semi-free morel - Mitrophora semilibera - 26 fruitbodies (found by
Willie McLaughlin)
In grassland near woodland entrance
TOFT TUNNEL LWT RESERVE
TF07078189
Vin Fleming
5th May 2012
Thimble morel - Verpa conica - 38 fruitbodies (16 in west part of
reserve and 22 in the east)
Semi-free morel - Mitrophora semilibera - 4 fruitbodies (all in east
section)
Last saw these morels here 8 years ago almost to the day (3rd May 2004 -
during our last wet spring?) when 61 fruitbodies of Verpa conica and 19
of Mitrophora semilibera present
HORBLING LINE LWT RESERVE
TF115352
Vin Fleming
12th May 2012
Thimble morel - Verpa conica - 9 fruitbodies (in N half of reserve c 20m
north of steps into reserve - under hawthorn) - some just emerging
NB - also last saw these morels here in 2004 when 27 fruitbodies of
Verpa and 6 of Mitrophora semilibera present
DEEPING LAKES LWT RESERVE
TF182079
Vin Fleming
13 May 2012
Thimble morel - Verpa conica - 26 fruitbodies under hawthorn/elder scrub
The recent wet weather is providing good conditions for morels (noting
also the sightings in last week's bulletin). Still worth checking
suitable areas - the two species above (especially V. conica) are, in my
experience, typically found under hawthorn scrub on bare soil - not an
uncommon habitat so worth checking such habitats if interested. Some
pictures of the species above on the 'Lincs Wildlife Trust Bourne Area
group' Facebook page.
*** County Wildlife Reports From Readers ***
Please keep your reports coming, We rely on you to send
in your observations and We welcome information from
all readers, be they beginners or professionals. Thanks.
CAISTOR
Wendy Handford
Reports from contributors to Caistor records
Week beginning 12/05/12
Caistor Market Place TA 119 012
Approx. 20 swifts
Garden at TA 113 022
Linnet's nest with 5 eggs in hawthorn hedge
Garden at TA 111 026
Hedgehog foraging under hedge
Adult and one young rabbit feeding twice a day in
wildflower meadow
Field vole by greenhouse
5 jackdaws 'working' across lawn
3 Canada geese in neighbouring field of winter wheat
Great tits nesting in space under roof of workshop
Collared doves nesting in leylandii hedge
Song thrushes nesting in hawthorn hedge
Adult male common toad
2 adult male common frogs, 1 olive brown, other sandy yellow
First sighting this year of:
Brimstone butterfly (we have recently planted alder buckthorns)
Common sorrel
Bistort
Sweet woodruff
Meadow foxtail
FRAMPTON RSPB
Peter Whitcomb
11 May 2012
Avocet not counted
Black necked Grebe 1
Black winged Stilt 1
Brent Goose c30
Curlew Sandpiper 1
Garganey 3 drake
Little Gull 1
Little Stint 1
Little Ringed Plover 2
Swift 60+
Turtle Dove 1 in farmyard to north
Yellow Wagtail 1
FRAMPTON RSPB
Peter Whitcomb
15 May 2012 am
Black winged Stilt
Little Gull 4
Swift 100+
FREISTON SHORE RSPB
Peter Whitcomb
11 May 2012 p.m.
Avocet 6
Bar tailed Godwit 6
Brent Goose c900 mostly in fields
Common Tern 8-9
Tree Sparrow 8
Brown Hare 7
FREISTON SHORE RSPB
Peter Whitcomb
12 May 2012 early am
Avocet 10prs on reservoir
Black tailed Godwit 38
Brent Goose 100s distant The Wash
Cuckoo 2
Curlew 50+
Redshank at least 2 prs
Sedge Warbler 1sm
Shelduck 14
Wheatear 1 on reserve 4 nearby
Whitethroat 2sm
Brown Hare 8
FREISTON SHORE RSPB
Peter Whitcomb
13 May 2012 am
Avocet 10
Brent Goose 5
Common Tern 12
Ringed Plover 2
Tufted Duck 8
Turtle Dove in nearby garden
FREISTON SHORE RSPB
Peter Whitcomb
14 May 2012 p.m.
Avocet 2 additional prs nesting
Cuckoo 1
Herring Gull 2prs nesting
Lesser Whitethroat 1sm
Pink footed Goose 2 presumably injured birds
Whimbrel 2 over
GIBRALTAR POINT
Peter Whitcomb
12 May 2012
Avocet 6 Jackson's Marsh
Little Egret 2 Jackson's Marsh
Short eared Owl 1 Saltmarsh
Spring Beauty alongside approach road near the Sanctuary
HIGHALL WOOD
16th May 2012, 21.30hrs
Jo Minchin
Grid Reference : TF 2218 6505,
on the Spa trail Highall Wood, Woodhall Spa.
3 Nightingales in full song.
LINCOLN
John Farmer
15/5/12
No Oil Beetles but I did find a Sexton Beetle in the
garden this week.
MARTIN
Garden
H. Whittle
10 May
Swifts x12
Housemartins x 11 pairs nesting
Turtle dove - feeding under bird table!
(a first in 15 years)
MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY
John Davison/Ray Halstead
7th May 2012
Just had verified by Michael Jordan a rare mycological find,
Helvella queletii
This has never been recorded in Lincolnshire before and at
very few other sites in the UK. There are 20 records on the
FRDBI many of which are duplicates and only 4 on CATE,
(Association of British Fungus Groups).
Also heard the Cuckoo whilst I was there and saw my first
Swifts of the year.
MOULTON MARSH NR
R & K Heath
14/5/12
Shorteared owl 1
1 Turtle Dove heard
18 species recorded
NAVENBY
Jennifer Playford
Am attaching a photo of a white squirrel which lives in our
garden. [Photo sent to C J Manning] This is its second year,
we think.
It is frequently mobbed by our resident jackdaws especially
if it goes near their nests.
A couple of years ago we had a white jackdaw which survived
for about 5 years. I have a lot of video footage of it.
It never appeared to have a mate but it socialised with the
other jackdaws.
WATERS EDGE
Waters' Edge
Sightings on Sat 12/05/12 and Fri 18/05/12
Julie Ellison
Birds
Blackbird
Blackcap 1
Black-Headed Gull 2
Carrion Crow
Chaffinch 1 female feeding chick and 1 male
Chiffchaff heard several in woods
Common Tern 2-3
Coot 1 on nest nr visitor centre, pair with 3 chicks in West
Pond on Sat; 5 on Fri
Goldfinch 3
Great Tit 1
Greylag Geese 4 near visitor centre and 2 pairs at Folly pond
(with 4 goslings between them on Sat, but only 3 on Fri)
House Martin 3-4 near Visitor Centre
House Sparrow heard in car park, and near visitor centre
Kestrel 1
Magpie
Mallard 72 near Visitor Centre + others elsewhere
Moor Hen 1
Mute Swan 3
Pied Wagtail 2
Reed Bunting 1 male singing
Reed Warbler 1 seen in reeds, + heard in several reed beds
Robin 2 in south of Woodland Walk wood, another 2 in north of
Woodland Walk wood
Sedge Warbler (heard only)
Song Thrush 2 squabbling in Woodland Walk wood
Starling 7
Swallow 6+
Swift 6-10
Tufted Duck 6 (3 pairs)
Willow Warbler 1 seen in car park, several heard in various parts
of reserve
Wood Pigeon
Butterflies
Green-Veined White 2 (on Sat)
Orange Tip 1 (on both days)
Peacock 1 (Sat)
Ladybirds within a 2 meter stretch of woodland path
7-Spot 3
14-Spot Yellow 3
Plants in Flower
Black Medic
Bluebell
Buttercup:
Celery-leaved
Creeping
Meadow
WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated.
A & R Parsons
12/5/2012
Single bat hunting in orchard 9pm. [RP]
Cuckoo calling, 13/5/2011 8.30am - 2 weeks later than usual .[AP]
Yellow wagtail on lawn - 9am - very unusual here.
Lapwings displaying, skylarks singing in area - 8.45am.
Marsh harrier patrolling area - 11am.
16/5/2012
Brown hare in area [RP]
Marsh harrier hunting 7.30am at TF 2154 [RP]
Grass snake basking at TF 2154 [AP]
short-eared owls hunting, 4.30pm - dark one at
TF 2155 Lighter one at TF 2154 [RP]
Possible Little owl at TF 2154 [AP]
Badger signs in area - trail camera on the case.
18/5
Marsh harrier hunting 5.30pm - TF 2153
3 greylag geese landed in garden to wait for a straggler,
then left together. Photos taken.
WILLOW TREE FEN NR
R & K Heath
13/5/12
Cuckoo heard
2 Turtle Doves heard
38 species recorded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves
See:
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIBRALTAR POINT NNR.
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php
Katherine Bocock
No report.
SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR.
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx
Week ending 18th May 2012.
John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter &
Janet Roworth
A cold raw week, blustery winds mainly from a westerly sector with
just the occasional sunny spell allowing day time temperatures to
rise to 17.5°C on the 14th. Ground frosts of -2.5°C were recorded
on the 16th and 17th. The main group of Whimbrel have left the area
but two flew over Rimac on the 14th. Seven Wheatears, and later
another 11 (possible Greenlandics), all looking tired and 'fresh
in' were on the saltmarsh near Brickyard on the 14th.
Other records have included singles: Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail,
Hobby and Sand Martin. Large flocks of Woodpigeon have been roaming
over and foraging on the saltmarsh with numbers reaching 180+.
Around 20 Shelduck are also regularly feeding on the saltmarsh.
A sparring session between a Short-eared Owl and male Marsh Harrier
over Rimac made a fine sight, albeit for only a few seconds; it is
quite amazing how agile a Short-eared Owl can be. The unseasonable
weather has not suited butterflies; sightings have included 3 green
hairstreaks, 5 holly blues, several orange tips and small coppers,
and 2 small whites. In a sheltered pond near Churchill there have
been 3 teneral azure blue damsels. Sand sedge is beginning to show
on the dunes and the first skull cap flowers have been seen.
Hawthorn buds remain on the point of bursting but in some sheltered
areas blossom is beginning to show.
RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore
Reports for April 2012
John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk
Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings
RSPB Frampton Marsh
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp
RSPB Frampton Marsh
The highlight of the month was a male Black-winged Stilt
(19th until May). Other wader species noted included two
Little Stints (30th), Jack Snipe (21st and 22nd), up to
30 Ruff and two Spotted Redshanks. Waterbirds included a
male Scaup all month, up to three Garganey and a late
Whooper Swan (24th). Several groups of up to 10 Arctic
Terns passed through (from 24th). Little Gulls were seen
on two dates. Raptors included Red Kite (6th) and Osprey
(14th). Single Whinchats were seen on two dates and Water
Pipits on four dates, while White Wagtails peaked at 10
(14th). A marauding Great Skua (from 30th) was seen to
kill three Coots and a Lapwing.
RSPB Freiston Shore
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp
RSPB Freiston Shore
On the sea 50 Fulmar were seen (3rd), with a Great Skua and
six Arctic Terns (28th). Short-eared Owls were more evident
this month, with up to four (8th).
Other bird of prey included Merlin, Hen Harrier and Marsh
harrier. An impressive flock of 430 Linnets were in the game
cover crop (4th). On the lagoon peak wader counts were 950
Oystercatcher and 55 Turnstone (8th).
ALSO:
Gibraltar Point NNR
Raptor passage included Rough-legged Buzzard (12th), and
Osprey (30th). Three Common Cranes (12th) also didn't stay
for long.
Other migrants included 3,000 Redwings (3rd), Hooded Crow
(7th), Redstart (8th), Crossbill (11th), Firecrest (22nd),
40 Arctic Terns (24th) and a Red-rumped Swallow (30th). An
excellent peak of 13 Ring Ouzels was recorded (24th).
Treecreepers were seen on two dates. 500 Sanderling and
22,000 Knot (8th) were notable counts.
Other sites
Lincolnshire's second King Eider, a female, was seen on a
boat trip in The Wash off Wrangle (21st), while a Black-
winged Stilt seen previously in Leicestershire was at Willow
Tree Fen, near Bourne (from 14th) before relocating to
Frampton Marsh. Common Cranes were seen at Halton Holgate
(two) and Kirkby Moor. A drake Ring-necked Duck at Kirkby
Pits and West Ashby Pits and a Great Grey Shrike at Nocton
Fen were both seen on and off. A Bittern was at Baston Fen
(7th), three Caspian Gulls at Lincoln (19th) and two White
Storks at Gosberton (23rd & 24th). A Sacred Ibis at Thurlby
Pit and Spalding provoked interest as it may have been from
a self-sustaining continental population and therefore
potentially a future British tick!
John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk
Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. News from Far Ings NNR
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAR INGS NNR
Week ending 18.05.12
BIRDS
Max. Numbers =
avocet 45
blackbird 16
blackcap 4
black headed gull 24
blue tit 12
Canada goose 6
carrion crow 6
Cetti's warbler
chaffinch 10
chiffchaff 5
collared dove 2
common gull 4
common tern 6
cuckoo
coot 30+
cormorant
curlew
dunnock 6
gadwall 2
goldfinch 3
GC grebe 5
GS woodpecker
great tit 6
greenfinch 2
grey heron
greylag goose 20+
house martin 22
house sparrow 10
jackdaw 3
kestrel
LBB gull 2
linnet 2
long - tailed tit 4
magpie 7
mallard 14
marsh harrier M+F
meadow pipit
moorhen 7
mute swan 6
oystercatcher 2
pheasant 3
pied wagtail 2
pochard 12
reed warbler 14
reed bunting 5
robin 6
sand martin 10
sedge warbler 8
shelduck 8
sparrowhawk F
starling 5
swallow 50+
swift 50+
tufted duck 11
water rail
wheatear
whitethroat 10
willow warbler 8
wood pigeon 5
wren 4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR
http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reports from the following locations will now be posted
here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology.
The NNR includes the following sites:
Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g.
Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.....); College Wood, Cocklode & Great
West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey
Wood, Wickenby Wood
Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield
Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only)
For the Limewoods, see:
http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/
http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx
and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/
SOUTHREY WOOD
Peter Whitcomb
13 May 2012
Blackcap 2sm
Cuckoo 1
Garden Warbler 1sm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording
in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication
Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting
observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports,
as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage.
[A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience
problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk]
When sending in reports please follow Bulletin layout to save
editing:
Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it.
Your Name: Real names please, not aliases.
Put it in each time, for each location
Date:
Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?]
e.g. Blackbird - 24
[And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Names in full.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Contact Information & Useful Websites
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail!
*** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website ***
A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here.
http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org
If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like
you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from
Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office,
e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk
LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via:
Ian Macalpine-Leny
macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk
*** Contacts List ***
*** Rural Crime Officer ***
Pc 160 Nick Willey
Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer
Force Dog Training Establishment
Lincolnshire Showground.
Grange-De-Lings.
Lincoln
nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk
OFFICE: 01522-731897
MOBILE :07768-501895
PAGER : 07654-330877
*** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group ***
The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group)
For further details please contact
ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847
*** Limestone Grassland Project ***
Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer,
mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk
Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667.
To find out more and to become involved with the
survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone
grassland on road verges see:
See:
http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/
*** Local Bat Helpline ***
Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information?
Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on
01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com
*** Bat Recorder ***
You may send confidential bat records direct to
Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com
*** Butterfly Conservation Recorder ***
Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the
Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or
e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible.
e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com
See:
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php
*** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link ***
http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html
*** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder ***
Alan Phillips
Willing to examine specimens or check photos
(but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in
the county are identifiable using photos).
Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons.
If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com
*** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List ***
Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put
together an impressive list. Have a look and
see how many species you recognise by name!
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73
Also see:
http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/
Could this be the year you learn to identify bees and wasps?
*** OTTERS ***
Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the
Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
*** Hedgehog Survey ***
http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html
*** Mammal Records ***
Mammal records can reported to
Chris Manning
Email: chris@lincsdeer.info
Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin.
*** Grow-you-own Mistletoe ***
http://www.mistle.co.uk/
*** New Met Office Service ***
The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for
severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth
having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe
weather.
See:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20090727.html
*** LNU Moths Gallery ***
There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote
the recording of moths across the county.
http://www.lnu.org/
Also see:
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php
*** Slug ID Help ***
Chris du Feu will help with slug identification.
You can telephone him on: 01427 848400
or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk
*** Mollusc Identification ***
David Feld has kindly offered to assist readers to
identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic.
Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you
whether and where to send a photograph or an actual
specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk
*** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update ***
Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes:
If you would like to give people the Lincoln number
01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA.
Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/
where a reporting page can be used to send in reports.
*** Lincs Bird Club ***
Secretary - Robert Carr
secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk
Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison:
michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk
LBC County Bird Recorders
County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county
recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk
for John Badley
recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk
for John Clarkson
Bird Club Website:
www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk
*** Help BBCT with Amazon ***
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have an association with
Amazon which helps to raise money for Bumblebee Conservation
without any cost to the purchaser. If you buy anything from
Amazon click onto the site via Bumblebee Conservation Trust
- Support us - Easy fund raising - Amazon.
If you do this Amazon will donate 8% of the price paid to
Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Link:
http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/fundraising.html
or try
http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/products.html
*** Wash Estuary Project Contacts ***
Jeff Goodley - Wash Estuary Project Officer
jeff.goodley@washestuary.org.uk
Vivien Hartwell - Wash Biodiversity
viv.hartwell@washestuary.org.uk
*** Other Useful Websites ***
Key links are now being posted on the LNU website.
http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin,
Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome.
Natural England
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/
Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map"
Lincolnshire Environmental Awards
http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/
Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/
Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises.
http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/
Lincs Environmental Records Centre
The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership
(of which LERC is a part)
Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk
or for more general queries: info@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk
Tornado and Storm Research Organisation
www.torro.org.uk
Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk
*** Interesting Weather radar website ***
Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website.
http://www.raintoday.co.uk/
RSPB Contact Details
RSPB Website:
www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh
John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire
Wash reserves e-mail:
john.badley@rspb.org.uk
Bardney Limewoods
www.limewoods.co.uk
limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk
The Sir Joseph Banks Society
Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail:
enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk.
www.joseph-banks.org.uk
EasyTide
Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide:
http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx
TWO - The Weather Outlook
Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode:
http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/
Joan Gunson's Moths recorded in my garden 2011:
www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades
Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds
http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/
Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies
http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm
http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/
*** Other Useful E-mail Addresses ***
Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org
Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk
Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk
Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk
NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk
Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk
Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk
If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9. Notes about these wildlife reports
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these
records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete
beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability
and in certain cases they are impossible to verify.
If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or
if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact:
rparsons@enterprise.net
Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife
Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club.
[Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have
been seen and identified in flower.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. The Bulletin's publicity policy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare
or endangered species.
Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind.
Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please.
We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners
if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site
sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife
is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners,
who may well be partners in important conservation work.
[Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily
reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated
organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies,
especially charities, taking a political stance.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11. LNU Events Diary
For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm,
but please check the website details for each event.
Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on
Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature
Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln
and start at 2pm.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Oxgangs House Springs, Nettleton Top
(Courtesy of Rachel Gibbons)
South of Caistor 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south
from Nettleton Top (road from Nettleton to Claxby) take first
track on right side and park to side of track at first bend at
TF113 979.
NB. Steep slopes present so stout footwear recommended.
Habitats: Spring, marsh, pasture and possibly some arable
Leader: Richard Chadd 07990 564519
richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Bridge Farm, Snitterby Carr
(Courtesy of Patty Phillips)
Northwest of Market Rasen 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in yard
of Bridge Farm at TF0187 9469 (DN21 4UU). Take minor road which
connects A631 and B1205 on west side of River Ancholme. Follow
Snitterby Carr Lane to end and turn right before river.
Habitats: River Ancholme, ponds, ditches, pasture and arable.
Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794
brian_hedley@hotmail.com
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Farmland at Baston Fen
(Courtesy of Nicholas Watts)
Southeast of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road from
Baston to Pode Hole. Park at TF1433 1598 on south side of road,
opposite track to Home Farm (about 1km east of road which goes
through Langtoft Gravel Pits).
A meeting to particularly look for arable 'weeds'.
Habitats: Arable and ditches
Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794
brian_hedley@hotmail.com
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Joint Meeting with British Dragonfly Society
Private Blow well site at Holton Grange
(Courtesy of Mike Jex)
South of Holton le Clay 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park near lake
at TA298 009. Take Station Road off A16 towards Tetney, then take
track on right just past dismantled railway crossing. Follow track
for about 500m then take track on left towards lake.
Habitats: Wooded blow well, lake, ponds, ditches, pasture and arable.
Waithe Beck nearby.
Leader(s): Brian Hedley 07989 665794
brian_hedley@hotmail.com
and Chris Manning
chris@lincsdeer.info
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Elsea Park Meadows
(Courtesy of Elsea Park Community Trust)
South of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small car parking
area at TF0968 1876 which is just off the A151 south of Bourne
(about 400m west of junction with A15).
Habitats: Meadows, woodland edge, ponds and ditches
Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794
brian_hedley@hotmail.com
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Mayflower Woods
(Courtesy of ConocoPhillips)
This event is on Saturday.
Northwest of Immingham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat
session starting at 7.30pm. Meet in car park at TA1593 1579.
Take A160 off from A180, straight on past roundabout and then
right turn at crossroads (with petrol station). Follow lane for
about 450m, car park on left side.
Habitats: Woodlands, grassland, ponds and stream.
Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794
brian_hedley@hotmail.com
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Fungus Foray Rigsby Wood LWT Reserve.
West of Alford 12.00 for 13.00 start. Turn north towards South
Thoresby at the Miles Cross Hill crossroads on the A1104 road
half way between Ulceby Cross and Alford. After 2 km, the wood
will be seen set back from the road on the right. Park along
roadside at TF419 761. 150m walk along field edge to wood.
Habitats: Mixed Woodland
Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640
ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 ....and finally.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** MailFails This Week ***
If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please
refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy.
http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html
Recent mailfails:
None this week.
*** Link(s) of the Week ***
History of The Wildlife Trusts video:
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/100
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~ THE END ~
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(..until next week!)
Roger Parsons
http://rogerparsons.info/